I am just finding out about Melvin 's departure from this life. I knew Melvin in high school and for a short period he attended college with me. Condolences to wife and children. He was a sweetheart. God bless you all.

I'm am so sorry to hear of his passing.  Melvin was such a positive influence to everyone he knew . I will miss our talks and taking him on his field trips . Prayers and my condolences to his family . ❤️🙏

My deepest condolences to your family. Melvin was such a light, and positive force in the lives of his family, friends, colleagues, and students. He was someone you were always excited to have in your group, or on your team. He will be greatly missed.
Wendy Wagener-Harris, MHS 

RIP Coach Johnson. 
Thank you for all you did at MHS. 
With deepest sympathy.
Verra-Therese   E

The whole track season and my time at miamisburg was a memory, he did so much for me to help me grow as a student and track runner. We grew such a good bond something like a coach dad, even when I moved to Columbus Johnson still helped me and kept in contact with me when I was having a hard time adjusting to the new city. I will always remember Johnson and everything he did for me, he was such a good hearted person gone way too soon. We love you coach Johnson ❤️

Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your husband/father.  Melvin was a wonderful person and a very dear friend. He will be missed by so many.  

With love,

Jeff and Elizabeth Toschlog 

Heartfelt sympathy to Melvin's wonderful family!  Every day Melvin would take time to say good morning on his way to his classroom - such a classy guy who always put students first.  He will be missed.
Sincerely, Nancy Hamilton, MHS

I was fortunate to coach Melvin in Track and Cross Country in the 1970's at Hermitage High School in Richmond, VA.
All State in CC, State 880 Champion in Track, part of two Nationally ranked CC teams, Melvin was outstanding as an athlete, as a leader and as a person. I was blessed to keep in touch with him over the years.
Melvin is in two Athletic Hall of Fames-Hermitage HS as an athlete and Miamisburg as a Coach. Very impressive but so was Melvin.
Bruce Bowen

Mr.Johnson was many things to me a coach, a teacher and a friend that I could count on. In my high school career he taught me how to be confident with myself he taught me not to let people walk over me and stand up for myself. He was always there for me giving me the best advice about my silly boy problems or what college is right for me.  He would always push me to be the best track athlete I could be and always believed in me even I wasn’t the best at it. The last weeks of high school were hard walking by his classroom knowing he wasn’t there and he going through the hardest battle there is. I know his in a better place now but it’s hard thinking about I won’t get to visit his classroom and seeing him seating at his desk and him always giving me smile when I would I walk in. I’m so thankful I got to spend the time I did with him he was such a light to our school he would always stay so positive even through this rough battle. He would always know how to put a smile on someone’s face. He would always stand outside his classroom and give high fives to us. I will cherish the moments with him very dearly in my heart. Thank you for everything Mr.Johnson. 

I hadnt seen my line brother, Melvin (Alpha Phi Alpha) in years since we pledged back in 1984.  We were able to meet again at Davidson College when his son was graduating. 

Miss you frat!  #4 and #7
"06"

Melvin was my colleague for many years at MHS and I had Tyler in my 9 honors English class years ago. Every day when I would walk down to lunch Melvin would greet me with a smile and a quick chat (if he was not already talking to a student - which was almost every day because the students LOVED him). He was always positive and uplifting and his smile was truly contagious. This year, my son, William, was Melvin's TA. They first became close when William was a freshman and he had Melvin as a teacher.  Melvin was going to "train" him in basketball before Covid shut everything down and Melvin received the cancer diagnosis. At William's grad party he made this display to honor Melvin and the relationship they shared. We both miss him so much. Sending love and prayers to all of you. The Algren family

Despite the ups and downs  of the track season and previous several years in general, Johnson made it all worthwhile. He was more than just a coach, teacher, or colleague. He was a friend, a father figure, and all-around lovely person to have known. Many  of us would still be in dark places and bottling up more and more if it weren't for this incredible man. Every day, he fought with courage and tenacity to speak, to teach, and to be with us. Mr Melvin Johnson has not only had a profound impact on us all, but he has also left behind one heck of a legacy and will never be forgotten.  

Best coach ever.  We are so sorry for your loss.  We are so lucky we got to have Melvin as our sons cross country and track coach.  He was amazing coach and friend.  The Shatto's 

Melvin has the best personality and heart, and we had the privilege of being part of his (and Tyler’s!) family in Colorado- and Miamisburg. Thank you for sharing your son and thank you for the legacy you leave behind! You have left the world a better place!

Proud to say I was a friend of Melvin's since high school when we ran track and cross country together.  He was a special man and I was blessed to have been a part of his remarkable life and thinking back now on all the memories and laughter we shared.  My condolences to his family, friends and students.  I am so sorry for your loss.  Sondra, I love the tribute photo of Melvin with that classic smile.  I can't help but smile back.  Fly high my friend until we meet again.

What a life taken to soon and will be greatly      
missed! 

Melvin wasn’t just a couch he was an inspiration. He always believed in me more than I did. I never wanted to do track, somehow him and my mother convinced me. So I did it and I decided long jump and sprints was my thing, Coach Johnson wasn’t even the coach for my events but somehow was there at the end of every practice asking how I was doing, if I beat records yet, and wouldn’t let me leave till I jumped what was good enough for him. I remember thinking, wow I can’t imagine spending all my time caring about random kids that I coach or even just putting in effort mentally when I didn’t want to anymore. He made me pull tires and run with parachutes and pushed me past the max, I cannot thank Melvin enough for the lessons he taught me. When you think your pushed to your max, think of Melvin! Reading about all he’s accomplished is mind blowing that I was just one small glimpse of this amazing man’s life and he impacted the way I think everyday… That’s how you know someone’s amazing. My condolences to the family I’m so sorry for your loss of an extraordinary man! 

Mr.Johnson was a bright spot of my day every single time I walked by, there he was biggest smile on his face and always helping me start my day off on a positive note. It really is so tough to believe he is gone. I give my deepest condolences to your family at this time. Rest In Peace Mr.Johnson, you will be forever missed. 

Mr. Johnson was a favorite teacher of mine, he showed me unconditional support and pushed me to do better. He’d always give me a hug in the halls and it would brighten my day. I’m holding a special place in my heart and prayers for his family as they navigate this time. I know Mr. Johnson is watching down on them now and I hope they find comfort in knowing they’ll one day reunite with him. 

“No one has the perfect words to make your sadness go away, but may you find comfort in knowing how many people wish they did.”

Coach J was an amazing coach, mentor, and friend. Sending prayers to your family! 💙

We are saddened by the loss of our neighbor and friend. It was a pleasure to be your neighbor for awhile! Melvin will be missed by so many. 

I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Johnson was a teacher of mine my sophomore year at MHS. I was depressed and lost and miserably failing his class. Instead of just failing me and moving onto the next student, he took the time to talk to me and help me. He was the only teacher who saw something wrong with me and made sure I was okay. He gave me a passing grade despite my efforts to bring it up because my grade was too far gone at that point, but he extended grace to me because of my hardwork. It was this one simple act of kindness that really turned my high-school career around, and I owe a lot of it to Mr. J. He made a lasting impact on me as well as so many others and I know he will be deeply missed. Keeping you all in my thoughts during this difficult time, and I hope my story can help bring a smile to your face. Rest easy, Mr. J.

Mr. Johnson was a great man and an amazing teacher. I’m so sad to hear of his passing and my deepest condolences go to his family. The entire Viking community will miss him terribly.

Melvin was a bright spot in my day at the high school.  He was such an encourager -- quick to laugh and to provide a positive perspective.  I will sincerely miss him.  You have my deepest sympathies and prayers for comfort.

I went to Virginia Commonwealth ( VCU) with Melvin and we pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. together. I am so sorry for your loss. I know he will be missed. Your family is in my thoughts. 



The impact Melvin had on the staff and students at MHS is beyond words. I will always remember his kindness and bright smile, as well as the passionate conversations we had about education and the importance of doing what is right. My sincere condolences to his family; you are in my thoughts. 

I will always remember Melvins kind heart and bright smile. I always loved passing him in the hallway because he always took the time to say hello and ask how I was doing, he truly cared about everyone. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
My sincere condolences to his family. May God comfort you all at this very sad time.




Sondra, 

My heart breaks hearing the news about Melvin. While I never had the opportunity to meet you, I spoke with Melvin several times recently discussing our years in high school. He was always upbeat, speaking so positively about the kids he was working with at the school. As I read the obit, I was surprised to hear about all the children ya'll have raised and I know he was a great dad, husband and father. He was a great man, and a superb individual. Thankfully he is not suffering from the cancer anymore and one day I will reunite with him in heaven and we will have many good discussions about life on earth. I pray God will bless you and the family and friends/family will support you during this difficult time. Kenny Walker 

To the Johnson Family, 

So sorry to get this news of Melvin's passing. Each heart that Melvin touched in his 60 years will forever be changed for the better. His smile, his caring attitude, and his words of affirmation will carry us onward. Thank you Melvin for showing us how to live and love. May your family find peace and strength in God through these difficult moments. 

Brother Wilbert Adams,
Alpha Phi Alpha, Fall '85

Melvin was my fraternity brother. We both pledged Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity on the same initiation line in the Spring of 1984.

He was a great and charismatic brother that I looked up to.  We hadn't seen each other for several years until we reconnected at Davidson College where his son was graduating. My last conversation with him was in March.  I was planning on visiting him later this year.  Melvin you will be missed.
'06'

Melvin was my High School classmate; always an optimist, always cheerful, and always a great friend! The World lost a Champion & Heaven gained a Cherished Soul!  Robert S. Hughes

To the Johnson Family, 

We are so sorry for your loss.  We are thankful for the time our children were gifted with Melvin in the classroom and on the track.  He filled them with positivity and enthusiasm and made them feel cared for and supported.   Please except our condolences.

Sincerely, 
Brad and Reggie Parkhurst (Rylie and Cael)

The sweetest soul with the purest heart. He truly was the best of the best. He always had a smile on his face with the most uplifting attitude. Sending peace, love & prayers for the Johnson family at this time. ♥️

Never a day went by where I wasn't greeted in the hall by Melvin's wonderful wide smile and a high five. His warm personality touched both staff and students on a daily basis.  We will miss him terribly. My condolences to your family and praying that God holds you in his hands in this difficult time. 

Mr Johnson will forever be remembered for his positivity even when times were tough. He never let his students see that he was upset, he always smiled. Forever my favorite teacher, rest peacefully. 

We send our deepest sympathy to everyone who loved Coach Melvin and will always fondly remember his smile and genuine heart. He means a lot to our sons Ben and Jon due to cross country, track and field and as a teacher. He always made them feel valued and respected. We know his light will continue to shine brightly through the countless lives he touched. May God’s strength and love be with you during this difficult time.

OBITUARY

Melvin L. Johnson

June 18, 1962 – May 23, 2023

Gebhart-Schmidt-Parramore Funeral Home

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